What to Do in Sedona: 10 Must-Dos

You’ll want to hike Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock for iconic red rock views, then cool off at Slide Rock’s natural water slides. Take a jeep tour through backcountry trails, visit the cliffside Chapel of the Holy Cross, and catch sunset from Airport Mesa. Don’t miss Tlaquepaque’s art galleries and experiencing a vortex site at Bell Rock. Consider a day trip to the Grand Canyon via scenic Oak Creek Canyon. These essential experiences reveal why Sedona captivates millions of visitors annually.

Hike to Devil’s Bridge for Sedona’s Most Famous Natural Arch

When you’re looking for Sedona’s most iconic hike that won’t break the bank, Devil’s Bridge delivers the area’s largest natural sandstone arch along with those classic red rock views you’ve seen all over social media.

The moderate 1.6-2 mile round trip gains about 400 feet from the 4×4 trailhead, though you’ll hike 4+ miles if parking at paved lots with a standard car. Take advantage of Sedona’s free seasonal shuttle to beat parking hassles.

The final approach involves steep rock scrambling to reach the 54-foot-high arch with dramatic drop-offs. The trail enters the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, where regulations prohibit drone use and violators may face citations. Arrive early—photo lines can stretch up to two hours during peak times.

Winter hikers should consider microspikes for icy conditions.

Scramble Up Cathedral Rock for 360-Degree Red Rock Views

If you’re craving Sedona’s most rewarding scramble that doesn’t require technical climbing gear, Cathedral Rock delivers stunning 360-degree views from its famous saddle perch for the cost of some serious leg work.

This 1.2-mile roundtrip trail packs 550 feet of elevation gain into steep slickrock scrambling that’ll have you using both hands and feet. The crux involves steering through a narrow sandstone crevice, but the grippy red rock provides excellent traction when dry.

You’ll find multiple photo-worthy ledges before reaching the main saddle overlooking Courthouse Butte and Sedona’s iconic formations.

Start early to beat crowds and heat, wear shoes with solid grip, and bring a headlamp if you’re chasing that legendary sunset. Check the Forest Service’s official website for current trail conditions and safety updates before your visit.

Take a Jeep Tour Through Backcountry Red Rock Trails

While hiking Cathedral Rock gives you earned views through sweat equity, a backcountry Jeep tour delivers access to Sedona’s most remote red rock terrain without requiring your own high-clearance 4×4.

You’ll bounce along historic wagon roads like Schnebly Hill and reach formations like Bear Wallow Canyon that standard vehicles can’t touch.

Tours range from mild scenic drives to rock-crawling adventures lasting 90 minutes to four hours.

Local guides share stories about desert ecology, Native American history, and Western movie filming locations while steering through technical terrain in open-air Jeep Wranglers.

Choose gentler routes for families or hardcore backcountry expeditions for thrill-seekers.

Night tours offer stargazing opportunities, while combo packages pair Jeep rides with helicopter flights or archaeological sites for maximum red rock exposure. Multiple tour operators including A Day In The West, Red Rock Western Jeep Tours, and Earth Wisdom Jeep Tours provide various adventure options across Sedona’s backcountry.

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross Built Into the Cliffside

Though many spiritual sites feel disconnected from their surroundings, Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross achieves the opposite—it literally emerges from the red rock cliffside like a natural formation with a 90-foot concrete cross. You’ll find this architectural marvel 200 feet above the valley floor on Twin Buttes, accessible via Chapel Road off Highway 179.

Inside, the glass-enclosed nave offers panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock formations while maintaining a simple, contemplative atmosphere with limited pews. The chapel welcomes visitors of all faiths with “Peace to all who enter” and functions primarily for reflection rather than regular services.

This award-winning 1956 structure costs nothing to visit and provides stunning photo opportunities, making it essential for any Sedona itinerary. The minimalist design emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, creating a sense of unity between the sacred space and the surrounding desert environment.

Cool Off at Slide Rock State Park’s Natural Water Slides

Where else can you rocket down an 80-foot natural water slide carved from red sandstone without spending a dime on admission? Slide Rock State Park delivers this exact thrill through Oak Creek’s sandstone flume, which funnels you down a 2.5–4-foot-wide chute into a deep, cold pool.

The algae-covered rock makes everything incredibly slippery, so pack water shoes or treaded sneakers. You’ll need them *or* when traversing the entry and exit areas safely. The spring-fed creek stays cold year-round, providing perfect relief during scorching summer days.

Arrive by 8 a.m. during peak season—limited parking causes frequent capacity closures. The park sits on the grounds of a former apple orchard, where historic buildings still stand among the red rock landscape.

Beyond the main slide, you’ll find cliff jumping spots, fishing for brown and rainbow trout, plus picnic areas surrounded by cottonwood trees and red rock canyon walls.

Drive the Scenic Oak Creek Canyon Between Sedona and Flagstaff

After cooling off in Oak Creek’s natural pools, you can experience the waterway from an entirely different perspective by driving the legendary Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. This 24-mile stretch between Sedona and Flagstaff drops 4,500 feet through one of America’s most scenic drives, featuring dramatic switchbacks and canyon walls towering up to 2,000 feet high.

Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the numerous free pull-offs for photography and creek access. Don’t miss Oak Creek Vista Overlook at the top for sweeping canyon views, or stop at Encinoso and Bootlegger picnic areas for affordable outdoor dining.

Drive northbound from Sedona for the most dramatic reveals, and plan extra time for the West Fork hiking trail if you’re feeling adventurous. The approximate drive time is one hour without stops, making it perfect for a scenic day trip.

Watch Sunset From Airport Mesa Overlook Above Town

While Oak Creek Canyon offers incredible views from below, you’ll want to climb above Sedona for the ultimate sunset experience at Airport Mesa Overlook. This hilltop viewpoint sits 700 feet above downtown, delivering 180-degree panoramas of Chimney Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Coffee Pot Rock.

You’ll pay about $3 to park in the main lot—a bargain for one of Sedona’s most famous photo spots. The overlook’s just steps from your car, making it accessible for most visitors. Arrive early since crowds pack this place, especially on weekends. The elevated position also means less light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing after the sun goes down.

The real magic happens during golden hour when red sandstone formations glow with intense oranges and purples. Bring a tripod and stay 30 minutes past sunset to capture city lights against deepening sky colors.

Explore Tlaquepaque Arts Village and Sedona’s Gallery Scene

Fifty art galleries and boutiques fill Tlaquepaque Arts Village, Sedona’s most charming spot for gallery hopping. You’ll wander cobblestone walkways between vine-covered stucco buildings that mirror traditional Mexican architecture. The pedestrian-friendly complex encourages leisurely browsing with shaded courtyards and fountains throughout.

Check out Mountain Trails Galleries for Western landscapes and wildlife art, or visit Rowe Fine Art Gallery for Southwestern paintings. Kuivato Glass Gallery showcases unique blown glass pieces, while Carré d’Artistes Sedona offers contemporary international works at accessible prices.

Beyond Tlaquepaque, explore Sedona’s broader gallery scene across Uptown and Highway 179. The Sedona Arts Center features one of the area’s largest collections of local artwork and offers educational workshops for visitors interested in developing their own artistic skills. Most galleries maintain daily hours, making it easy to plan gallery-hopping adventures around your budget and interests.

Experience a Vortex Site at Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock

Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal or simply want to explore Sedona’s most iconic red rock formations, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock offer two of the area’s most celebrated vortex experiences.

Bell Rock provides balanced energy that’s perfect for first-time visitors, with accessible trails and natural benches halfway up for meditation.

Cathedral Rock delivers feminine energy ideal for emotional healing, though reaching the saddle requires moderate-to-strenuous hiking with scrambling sections.

Plan 30-90 minutes at each site for hiking and reflection.

Visit Bell Rock in the morning to avoid crowds, while Cathedral Rock shines during late afternoon’s golden glow.

You’ll need a Red Rock Pass for parking.

Many visitors report tingling sensations, increased vitality, and deep peace at these spots. The Yavapai people historically inhabited this area, leaving behind petroglyphs and cliff dwellings that indicate the region’s long-recognized spiritual significance.

Take a Day Trip to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon

Just two hours from Sedona, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim makes for an unforgettable day trip that’ll give you some of the most jaw-dropping views in the American Southwest.

Leave early (around 6 AM) and take the scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A, where you’ll wind through red rock gorges before hitting Flagstaff for fuel and snacks. The drive’s about 115 miles total.

Once there, hit Mather Point for classic canyon photos, then walk sections of the easy Rim Trail between viewpoints.

If you’re feeling ambitious, hike partway down the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point for inner-canyon perspectives. For the best canyon exploration, pack trekking poles to help with stability on the steep descent.

Plan to leave by 5 PM for safe mountain driving back to Sedona before dark.

The Sum Up

You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Sedona without breaking the bank. Pack your own snacks and water for hikes, visit free vortex sites, and catch sunset from Airport Mesa for zero cost. If you’re splurging on one thing, make it a jeep tour—it’s worth every penny. Don’t forget comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen. With stunning red rocks everywhere you look, you can’t go wrong exploring this desert paradise.